Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth Maine

If you live in San Francisco, Gnome, Budapest or you’re from the Yukon, it is definitely worth the drive to Jordan’s Snack Bar in Ellsworth, Maine. If you go to Acadia National Park, make time to fit Jordan’s into your trip!

The best thing you can say about a place that serves seafood is that the local fishermen eat there. That tells you two things: 1, the prices are competitive as fishermen tend to be cheapskates; and 2, the fish is fresh. Fishermen will not eat old fish.

If you like seafood, the fish, shellfish and lobster are as good as you will find anywhere: Fresh, good portions and well-tended. The french fries and onion rings are as good as they get. The coleslaw is legendary in these parts. They have many tables outside so people can enjoy the fresh Maine air, or they have a large indoor facility, too. There is no wait service. It is the typical snack bar approach. You order the food, then pick it up when it is done and carry it wherever you wish.

If you have never had fish chowder, this is the place to change that. Chock full of tender haddock, theirs is almost as good as grandma’s. The fried clams are second to none. The scallops have cost my dad a good deal of his retirement, and the shrimp are as sweet as you will ever find. If there is anyplace I would rather go to eat, I cannot think of it.

Let’s not forget, they are a snack bar with all of the Gifford’s ice cream you can eat! Sundaes, banana splits, cones … whatever you like. I rarely have Ice Cream there, as I am too full from dinner.